Free to Fly: Contest Winners!

Is it just me? Or does it seem like time is flying?

On 11 January, I announced my first give away contest.

That is not a long time ago.

But, so MUCH has happened in such a short span,

that it seems like forever ago!

Anywhoooo, yesterday was the deadline.

Last night I wrote down everyone's names.

Cut the names, and folded the strips of paper up.

My youngest son picked 2 out, and

Viloa!

We have 2 winners!

Drum roll please! Daaattatataatta...

And the winners are:

Ally at Ally's Antics!

She wanted this one:

And, the 2nd winner is:

Julie at Joyful Days!

I just need to get the addresses, and get to the post office!
I am so excited!
This is great fun!

I will be having another drawing in February!
So be on the look out!

Here are some of my thoughts from the 11th as to why the giveaway.

"But, while I came to blogging to give,
it has truly given back to me.
I have been encouraged, laughed my head off,

sometimes choked-up, and learned;
all these things and more.
You ladies who visit, and write your own blogs,

and share your inspiring and humorous thoughts are such a blessing

and what you do, does makes a great difference!"

Still true today!

What Does it Mean Anyway? "Free to Fly"...

Well, it's like this: Here are some of the Webster's Dictionary definitions of Free: a : having the legal and political rights of a citizen b : enjoying civil and political liberty c : enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination d : enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another2 a : not determined by anything beyond its own nature or being : choosing or capable of choosing for itself...having a scope not restricted by qualification 7 a : not obstructed, restricted, or impeded ...Now, here are some of the Webster's Dictionary definitions of Fly:1 a : to move in or pass through the air with wings b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space c : to float, wave, or soar in the air ... a : to take flight ...6 : to work successfully ...Examples which apply from Websters: fly high : to be elated - fly in the face of or fly in the teeth of : to stand or act forthrightly or brazenly in defiance or contradiction of

What does this mean in my life? This means that in life we are meant to be free. While historically mankind has not always enjoyed the opportunity to fully appreciate what that means, we are so indescribably fortunate as to live in a time of the greatest spiritual, physical, financial and political freedom ever known. Freedom doesn't come cheap, nor does it come easy. But the best things in life don't come that way do they? As I write this I am struck by how this sounds like a political statement, and for me this is much more of a spiritual thing, but, same goes for that (political that is). Freedom doesn't come easy. And it's worth whatever fight you have to make to overcome in your life in order to live a life that succeeds. Now the questions is - what is success for you? What is your standard? In my mind what is needed is a definite target - because you can't hit and maintain a moving target. A stable, rock-solid, anchor with no variable, yet multi-faceted. Something pure, just and worthy. If you look at any web page of news you can see that our society is certainly lacking in this area. What a great time to live as a rebel! Nowadays to be a rebel, all you have to do is be willing to engage in the battle of life, while anchored to Christ!

8 comments:

A Captured Reflection said...: Yay for Ally! I am so chuffed she has won this book. xx; January 31, 2008 at 3:00 PM
luvmy4sons said...: Always such a blessing! Yeah for for the winners!; January 31, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Ally said...: Wow it´s..me.... I can´t believe it!!! Wohooooooooo!!! I think this is going to be a book that´s really going to help me.... can´t wait to get it in the post... thanks so much; January 31, 2008 at 3:11 PM
Denise said...: Congrats to the winners.; January 31, 2008 at 3:17 PM
Kassi Gilbert said...: The Five Love Languages is wonderful! maria, I just wanted to thank you much for the constant encouragement...; January 31, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Renee said...: Congrats to the winners!; January 31, 2008 at 6:58 PM
She Rose Up said...: Karen, I don't know who was more tickled her or me!

Leslie, this is way too much fun! I already have the next 4 months gifts picked out! Books, books, & books! (Maybe movies after that, who knows?)

Ally, That's right! I will be going to town to mail them Tuesday. I will e-mail you when I do!

Thanks, Denise!

Kassi, You are WAY MORE than welcome! I truly enjoy your posts & you were a big help to my Mama! So my thanks to you!

Renee' & Sharon, thanks you all!

Happy Ground Hog Day!
6 more weeks of winter!

xoxox,
Maria; February 2, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Joyful Days said...: Thank you! I think I e-mailed you. Life is still a bit foggy through the humidifier and cold medicine.

(()); February 3, 2008 at 1:26 AM